The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-03-27

John Wesley. the founder OF Meth
odism. The Wesley family were dis
turbed during two months, between
December /, ZIG, and January 30
III, in which time the
house, according to the state
ments of Wesley and many 9th.
ers, was shaken by winds, when al
was calm without, disturbed by dis.
NAL groauings, loud raps day and
night, and fearful noise over the
heads of the family during devotional
exercises. The house was much in
jured by unseen agencies, and inyes.
legations made with intelligent vigil.
ance and care failed todetect any
cause for the phenomena.
The occurrences at the Phelps
mansion in 1850-5l were similar in
kind, but extended over a longer
period. For several months the
dwelling was watched day and night
but the disturbances continued, and
all attempts made by different parties
to discover the source of the noises
utterly failed. 1t was suggested to
the reverend gentleman that the in
visible agent or agents be interro-
gated after Posts method o. com
municating with ghosts. The per-
sistency which characterized the
disturbances, and their annoying
character, at last led him to consent
to the proposal. A very explicit
statement of the method and results
of this interview with the ghost was
given me by DR.. Phelps, of which |
have notes; but there are conSidera-
tons which prevent them from being
made public at the present time
Remarkable as were the house dis
turbances, they are of small interest
compared with the final chapter in
the history of this extraordinary in-
stance of ghost manifestation. The
disturbances ceased as soon as the
interview was permitted.
There has been considerable con-
troversy, and some denials of state
ments made regarding occurrences in
the Phelps mansion, which is not
strange when the ecclesiastical and
theological connections of the emf
nent divine are considered. The evil
dence is conclusive, however kAat he
was never in sounder healm, and
never were his mental faculties in
more accurate equilibrium than at
the time his narrative was given. His
high standing during a long and dis.
tinguished career as Christian min
lister forbids even a suspicion of dis
honesty or untruthfulness.
A remarkable instance of house
possession came to my knowledge sew
eral years ago, the incidents of which
in many respects are worthy OF note.
The house is in suburban town
near to the city of Boston, and the
family occupying it is highly respec-
table and intelligent. The distur-
Dances came suddenly and were to
large extent of the usual character.
They continued over a period OF five
weeks, and were first observed in
chamber once occupied by son, an
officer in the Union army, who was
killed in the Battle of the Wilder
ness in 1862. His sword and uni
form were sent home and placed
in drawers in this room; and, in
obedience to the instinct of mater
nal affection, the door was locked,
and no one was permitted to occu-
py the chamber. Extraordinary
noises were heard in
the room; and, upon going in, it was
found to be in state of great con-
fusion. The drawers were open, and
the sons uniform and accoutrements
were scattered about upon the floor.
The room was again put in order and
protected by locks, was left for few
hours under supervision, to guard
against possible intrusion by servants.
Again entering the room the same
disturbances were found to have oc-
Cured, and they were repeated after
new and complicated locks and win
dow fastenings had replaced the old
ones, after the servants had been
sent away, and ultimately they oc-
Cured in the presence of the mem
bers of the household, and in spite
OF their attempts at resistance. Dis
turbanees occurred in other parts of
the dwelling, and so annoying and
alarming did they become the
family was broken up, and
the mother left for residence in
an adjoining town. The sequel to
this brief narrative may be given in
a few words. The intruding ghost
was Intercepted after the manner
previously described; and it was
stated that the object of the intrusion
was to call the attention of the family
to some impor ant matters connected
with the deceased son S affairs, which
matters were promptly attended to,
and the disturbances ceased.
1t should be stated that, notwith.
standing the prolonged continuance
of the phenomena and the great dis
turbances produced, but few outside
of the family knew anything of the
occurrences, so reluctant were the
parties to attract public attention.
In considering alleged instances Of
ghostly interferences, the easiest and
not unusual way to dispose of them
is to promptly reject all the asser-
lions, all the statements of witnesses,
and charge everything to trick and
two old pack horses which
stand ready saddled and bridled at
the doors Of many men of scientific
repute. These serviceable beasts
have proved very convenient and
are much used by many clever cler-
gymen and students in science who
are asked by the unlearned and per
picked masses to explain some occult
phenomena by no means uncommon
in modern TINES.
Stone Throwing SpOOkG